Single suction centrifugal pumps, pump casings, pump systems and vehicles for using pumps which include a single piece casing having a first cut-water fluid flow path, a first discharge nozzle, and a second discharge nozzle, the first cut-water fluid flow path communicating with the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle and the nozzles being situated at opposing ends of the pump such that center outputs of the nozzles are offset from a horizontal centerline of the casing and the first nozzle is positioned a greater distance from a lower casing wall of the pump as compared to the second nozzle so that the casing may be connected to output piping for both sides of the vehicle and at a low profile within the vehicle.
|
21. An emergency response vehicle for pumping water from opposite sides of the vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
opposing frame rails between which is positioned a drive shaft defining a central drive shaft axis and for powering the vehicle; and
a single suction centrifugal pump comprising a casing in which is positioned an impeller upon an impeller shaft having a central impeller shaft axis, the impeller shaft axis horizontally and vertically offset from the drive shaft axis, the casing having a first discharge nozzle and a second discharge nozzle.
16. A centrifugal pump comprising:
an impeller contained within a casing, the casing comprising a first cut-water fluid flow path, a first discharge nozzle, and a second discharge nozzle, the first cut-water fluid flow path communicates with the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle, the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle situated substantially at opposing ends of the pump and such that all fluid exiting at least one of the first and second discharge nozzles exits at a position above a horizontal centerline of the impeller.
17. A centrifugal pump comprising:
an impeller contained within a casing, the casing comprising a first cut-water fluid flow path, a first discharge nozzle, and a second discharge nozzle, the first cut-water fluid flow path communicates with the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle, the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle situated substantially at opposing ends of the pump and a first center output point of the first discharge nozzle and a second center output point of the second discharge nozzle defining a line offset from a horizontal centerline of the casing.
12. A single piece pump casing comprising:
a first cut-water fluid flow path defined in part by a lower casing wall, a first discharge nozzle positioned at a first discharge arm extending outward from the lower casing wall a first distance, and a second discharge nozzle positioned at a second discharge arm extending outward from the lower casing wall a second distance, the first cut-water fluid flow path communicates with the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle, the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle situated substantially at opposing ends of the pump, the first distance being greater than the second distance.
1. A single piece pump casing comprising:
a first cut-water fluid flow path, a second cut-water fluid flow path, a first joint-water path and a second joint-water path, the first cut-water fluid flow path and the second cut-water fluid flow path communicating with the first joint-water path and the second joint-water path, the first joint-water path communicating with a first discharge nozzle and the second joint-water path communicating with a second discharge nozzle, the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle situated substantially at opposing ends of the casing, the first discharge nozzle defining a first center output point and the second discharge nozzle defining a second center output point, the first center output point and the second center output point defining a line offset from a center point of a center opening passing through the casing.
18. A centrifugal pump comprising:
an impeller contained within a single-piece casing, the casing comprising a first cut-water fluid flow path defined in part by a lower casing wall, a first discharge nozzle positioned at a first discharge arm extending from the lower casing wall a first distance, a second discharge nozzle positioned at a second discharge arm extending from the lower casing wall a second distance, the first cut-water fluid flow path communicates with the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle, the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle situated substantially at opposing ends of the pump, and the first discharge arm positioned adjacent a trailing edge of a second cut-water wall, the second cut-water wall in part defining the first cut-water fluid flow path and a second cut-water fluid flow path, the first distance being greater than the second distance.
2. The pump casing of
3. The pump casing of
5. The pump casing of
7. The casing of
8. The casing of
9. The casing of
10. The casing of
11. The casing of
13. The pump casing of
14. The pump casing of
15. The pump casing of
19. A centrifugal pump system comprising the centrifugal pump of
20. The centrifugal pump system of
22. The vehicle of
23. The vehicle of
|
This application claims the benefit of and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/228,434 filed Aug. 2, 2021 for CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS, CASINGS AND SYSTEMS, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for continuity of disclosure.
Centrifugal pumps have been commonplace for ages and have been used in numerous applications. A relatively recent development has been a powerful firefighting type of pump having a low profile while still allowing discharge at opposite ends of the pump, such as that found in Seitz et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,517,186. While this and other examples have benefits, there is room for improvement.
In one aspect the invention pertains to a single piece pump casing which allows the pump to be placed in a relatively low position upon a chassis of a firefighting vehicle to allow improved storage, function and spacing under a cab portion of the vehicle and functionality of the vehicle while also allowing discharge flow from the pump at opposite sides of the vehicle. The pump casing has a first cut-water fluid flow path, a second cut-water fluid flow path, a first joint-water path and a second joint-water path, the first cut-water fluid flow path and the second cut-water fluid flow path communicating with the first joint-water path and the second joint-water path, the first joint-water path communicating with a first discharge nozzle and the second joint-water path communicating with a second discharge nozzle, the first discharge nozzle and the second discharge nozzle situated substantially at opposing ends of the casing, the first discharge nozzle defining a first center output point and the second discharge nozzle defining a second center output point, the first center output point and the second center output point defining a line offset from a horizontal center point of the casing. In aspects, the design allows for the pump to be positioned at a relatively low profile upon a chassis of a vehicle, allowing for space savings and flexible positioning, and allowing outputs to either or both sides of a vehicle. In further aspects a centrifugal pump includes an impeller contained within the casing.
In a further aspect the invention includes a single-piece casing for a single suction centrifugal pump where a first discharge outlet extends a greater distance from the lower casing wall compared to a second discharge outlet so that the casing may connect with piping and where the discharge outlets are offset above a horizontal centerline of the casing so the casing may be positioned low within a vehicle while avoiding contact with a main drive shaft of the vehicle. In aspects, the first discharge outlet is at a discharge arm which extends a greater distance from the lower casing compared to a discharge arm for the second discharge outlet and includes a third discharge opening to discharge fluid in a downward direction from the casing which allows for flexibility and space savings in configuration of discharge from the pump. In further aspects a centrifugal pump includes an impeller contained within the casing.
A further aspect includes a vehicle having a pump with features of discharge outlets offset from a horizontal centerline of a single piece casing of the pump while also having an extended discharge outlet so that the single suction centrifugal pump may be offset horizontally and in close spaced relationship with a main drive shaft of the vehicle. The pump may be offset horizontally and vertically to accommodate a lower profile, and which has an added benefit of also accommodating a downward discharge from the pump.
These and other aspects are more fully presented herein.
The above partial summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments and further aspects of the invention.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention to the particular embodiments or aspects described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined by the appended claims.
Referring to
With particular reference to
Casing 22 includes second cut-water wall 36 having a second cut-water 34 disposed at one end thereof and a trailing end 38 disposed at another end thereof. Second cut-water wall 36 in part defines second cut-water fluid flow path 42. As fluid exits spinning impeller 26 the fluid travels along second cut-water fluid flow path 42. Subsequent flow of the fluid within path 42 is described further below.
First cut-water fluid flow path 40 and second cut-water fluid flow path 42 communicate to join into a first joint water path 44a and a second joint water path 44b. Casing 22 further includes a first discharge nozzle 46 and a second discharge nozzle 48. Both first path 40 and second path 42 communicate with first discharge nozzle 46 and second discharge nozzle 48. Both first joint water path 44a and second joint water path 44b communicate with first discharge nozzle 46 and second discharge nozzle 48. First discharge nozzle 46 and second discharge nozzle 48 are situated at or substantially at opposing ends 56a, 56b of casing 22. In further aspects discharge nozzles 46, 48 have a center output 47, 49 (particularly, first center output point 47 and second center output point 49) which define a center point of the respective nozzles. A horizontal centerline H aligns with a horizontal center of impeller drive shaft 28. The center output points 47, 49 define a line “X” which line X is offset from horizontal centerline H. Alignment of nozzles 46, 48 accommodates for efficient dual outlets to be extended to both sides of an emergency vehicle. An emergency response vehicle may be a fire truck such as, but not limited to, the vehicle 10 shown in
In one aspect nozzles 46, 48 have a terminal flow path radius “r” (i.e., a flow path radius at a terminal end of nozzle 46). In one aspect the radius “r” is 2 inches. In other aspects the radius “r” may be less than or greater than 2 inches. In further aspects, nozzles 46, 48 have a terminal flow path which is not necessarily circular in cross-section, and may have a rectangular, oval or other cross-section configuration. In aspects, line X (and corresponding output points 47, 48 of nozzles 46, 48) is offset from centerline H by a measure of at least “r” length. Having such offset of “r” dimension provides a feature for positioning casing 22 lower upon a vehicle, which results in increased spaced savings or space utilization of vehicle areas above and/or adjacent casing 22. Providing a greater offset of line X from horizontal centerline H allows for a lower placement of casing 22 compared to applications which do not have such configuration. In one aspect, casing 22 defines a center opening 23 which passes through the casing 22. The center opening 23 has a radius r′ with a center point 23′ of the center opening 23 defining a horizontal center point which lies along centerline H. In one aspect, line X is offset from centerline H by a measure of at least r′ length. In a further aspect, line X is offset from centerline H by about 3 to 4 inches. In aspects line X is offset from centerline H by about 3.5 inches to assure a substantial benefit in space savings while still maintaining clearance from other components of the vehicle. Such offset allows casing 22 and pump 20 to be set lower within a vehicle. In one aspect, line X is offset from centerline H by over 3.6 inches, resulting in a corresponding lowering of casing 22 as compared to prior applications. Such lowering is a substantial lowering and increase in space utilization for a vehicle into which pump 20 is positioned. In aspect such substantial lowering accommodates more space within a cab portion of the vehicle which is positioned above the pump. Use of the offset and lowering of the profile position of the pump minimizes or eliminates the need to have a projection into the cab area to accommodate for pump clearance. This lessens or eliminates a “bump” which might otherwise be positioned at the floor of the cab.
In a further aspect casing 22 includes a foot 55 used to set upon or connect to a flange which in one instance is connected to rail 100. Connection of nozzles 46, 48 to discharge piping and connection of foot 55 to rail 100 provides a secure three-point contact to secure the pump casing 20. In one aspect foot 55 is configured with a planar lower surface such that when the planar lower surface is oriented horizontally, line X is also oriented horizontally or substantially horizontally. Plastic or rubber washers or bushings may be positioned at the respective connections of the casing 20.
In operation, fluid from path 40 continues to circulate through casing 22. Particularly, a portion of fluid travels along first cut-water fluid flow path 40a to exit at discharge nozzle 46, and a portion travels, or may travel, along first cut-water fluid flow path 40b to exit at discharge nozzle 48. Likewise, fluid from path 42 continues to circulate through casing 22. Particularly, a portion of fluid travels along second cut-water fluid flow path 42a to exit at discharge nozzle 46, and a portion travels, or may travel, along second cut-water fluid flow path 40b to exit at discharge nozzle 48. Joint water path 44a includes both first path 40a and second path 42a, and joint water path 44b includes both first path 40b and second path 42b. It may be appreciated that at least a portion of path 40 and at least a portion of path 42 define path 40b to create joint water path 44b. As such, both the impeller side 33 and casing side 31 of wall 32 in part define first cut-water fluid flow path 40. First cut-water wall 32 defines in part flow path 40 and defines in part second joint-water path 44b. Having joint-water path 44b allows pump 20 to efficiently deliver fluid to ends 56a, 56b in a low-profile arrangement. While other pump designs may deliver fluid to both ends of a vehicle, joint-water path 44b contained entirely within casing 22 achieves an efficient low-profile arrangement. Having outputs 47, 49 of discharge nozzles 46, 48 arranged along a line X which is offset upward from a center point 23′ of the center opening 23 allows for a lower profile configuration. As a single casting, casing 22 also accommodates for efficient manufacture and assembly of pump 20 and positioning and connecting within a vehicle. In one aspect pump 20 includes a single impeller 26 (one and only one impeller in such aspect) and thus a single suction for efficient use and plumbing. In aspects, either of nozzles 46, 48 may be closed to allow or force liquid to flow to the other open nozzle to allow a user to select which side (or both sides) of the pump (or fire truck) for discharge of liquid.
joint-water path 44b allows for efficient operation of pump 20 especially where an operator desires to vary the fluid output through respective discharge nozzles 46, 48. For instance, a user may close off (or partially close) fluid flow through nozzle 46 without disrupting radial balance of impeller 26, since the entire output from flow path 40 and flow path 42 would then be directed through nozzle 48. Likewise, if a user were to close fluid flow through nozzle 48 (or partially close the flow), the output from flow path 40 and flow path 42 would then be directed through nozzle 46. If respective nozzles 46, 48 were to be otherwise fed directly from respective flow paths without the combining of fluid in a joint water path, radial forces could disrupt the balance of impeller 26 impacting performance and pump life. Having water paths 40 and 44b contained within a single casing further allows for a low profile which would otherwise require additional or external plumbing about the pump casing to supply opposite sides of the vehicle. Other outlets or nozzles may also be provided on the casing 22, including at discharge arm 60.
In further aspects of operation, impeller 26 spins in a first direction represented by arrow A. While arrow A depicts a counterclockwise direction (when viewed opposite a suction side of the casing 20), it may be appreciated that pump 20 may be designed for impeller 26 to spin in a clockwise direction. The first-direction spinning impeller 26 releases fluid (such as water or foam for fighting fires) into paths 40, 42. In aspects, pump 20 includes means for continuing transporting fluid in the first direction. Means for transporting is represented by reference numeral 44b, which may include means such as second joint-water path 44b, first cut-water fluid flow path 40b, and second cut-water fluid flow path 42b. In one aspect, means 44b has a generally arch-like configuration, or lies generally along a radius or modified radius. In one aspect means for transporting includes a joint-water path spanning substantially from a first end 56a to a second end 56b of the pump 20. In one aspect means 44b spans from adjacent trailing edge 38 to first discharge outlet 46 and continues to span to second discharge outlet 48. In one aspect means for continuing transporting is contained entirely within single piece casing 22. Providing a simple single, non-split, casing design in which all water paths are located (including means for continuing transportation, such as path 44b which curves to either side of the casing) allows for ease of manufacture, assembly, hook-up, and use. It may be appreciated that connections to the nozzles of the pump may likewise be confined to a modest space to achieve an overall low-profile solution.
For pump 20 to accommodate dual output at discharge nozzles 46, 48, pump 20 in one aspect includes joint-water path 44b which spans at least 45 degrees, and in some aspects at least 135 degrees, and even at least 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees in further aspects. Having joint-water path 44b span at least 135 degrees accommodates for joint-water path 44b to wrap back or span to a significant degree, and accommodates a lower profile casing (and/or elimination of external conduit to supply fluid to opposite sides of the firetruck) and provides meaningful spacing of respective outputs or nozzles 46, 48. The joint-water path 44b spans in a curving manner along an arch generally defined by an arch line spanning from trailing edge 38 to discharge outlet 48. In one aspect arch line is a curving centerline of joint-water path 44b. As shown in
In further aspects with respect to
In one aspect first discharge arm 60 is positioned adjacent trailing edge 38 of second cut-water wall 36, while second discharge arm 62 is position distal the trailing edge 38. In further aspects, fluid travels upward at the exit (adjacent trailing edge 38) from the first cut-water fluid flow path 40.
As shown in
In a further aspect with reference to
In one aspect lower casing wall 24a includes a dimple 77 for further clearance from drive shaft 110 and associated couplings. Also having nozzles 46, 48 positioned such that line X is offset from horizontal centerline H allows for lowering casing 22 closer to axis 112 as compared to a prior arrangement as shown in
In one example aspect of the invention, the foregoing features result in a combination where the impeller axis 28′ is vertically offset from axis 112 about 13 to 14 inches compared to an arrangement as shown in
In a further aspect the invention includes a firefighting vehicle 10 having a third discharge line 69 which initially extends downward from the pump casing. In further aspects the third discharge line 69 travels between and at least in part parallel with rails 100, 102. The third discharge line 69 may communicate with a holding tank on the vehicle 10 or may connect to a discharge nozzle positioned at an outer panel of the vehicle 10. The outer panel of the vehicle 10 may be positioned at opposite sides of the vehicle, or at a front or back end or other panel area of the vehicle 10.
In further method aspects 200 the invention includes discharging liquid through the pump 20 situated on a vehicle such that liquid is discharged simultaneously or selectively via a first discharge nozzle 46, a second discharge nozzle 48 and/or a third discharge nozzle 64, the third discharge nozzle 64 configured to accommodate discharge of the liquid downward through the nozzle 64 and from the casing of the pump 20. In aspects the method includes discharge through a third line 69 which runs beneath nozzles 46, 48 and in part parallel with rails 100, 102.
While the present invention has been described with reference to several particular example embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10851790, | Sep 27 2016 | W S DARLEY & CO | Double volute end suction pump |
3289598, | |||
4406583, | Jan 19 1980 | Klein, Schanzlin & Becker Aktiengesellschaft | Centrifugal pump with double volute casing |
6146095, | Sep 15 1997 | KSB AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT PATENTABTEILUNG | Spiral housing pump |
7033147, | Jan 28 2002 | TC1 LLC | Centrifugal fluid pump assembly with flow rate calculating section |
7517186, | Jun 16 2006 | W S DARLEY & COMPANY | Centrifugal pump and casing therefore |
9222484, | Apr 27 2012 | Weir Minerals Australia LTD | Centrifugal pump casing with offset discharge |
9441637, | May 07 2010 | SULZER MANAGEMENT AG | Volute shaped pump casing with splitter rib |
20070292267, | |||
D610165, | Aug 14 2008 | Weir Minerals Australia LTD | Pump liner component |
D742420, | Mar 26 2015 | W S DARLEY & CO | Pump casing |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Apr 28 2022 | W.S. Darley & Co. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Jul 13 2022 | SULLIVAN, SHANE | W S DARLEY & CO | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 060494 | /0503 | |
Jul 13 2022 | HABLE, WAYNE | W S DARLEY & CO | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 060494 | /0503 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Apr 28 2022 | BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code). |
May 04 2022 | SMAL: Entity status set to Small. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Jan 16 2027 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Jul 16 2027 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jan 16 2028 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Jan 16 2030 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Jan 16 2031 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Jul 16 2031 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jan 16 2032 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Jan 16 2034 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Jan 16 2035 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Jul 16 2035 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jan 16 2036 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Jan 16 2038 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |